The UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH) welcomes the inauguration of the 56th President of the Republic of Haiti, Mr Joseph Michel Martelly. For the first time in the history of Haiti, a democratically elected President, in the person of the outgoing President René Préval has passed the reins of power to a democratically elected president, coming from the opposition.

The Minustah congratulate warmly the President Martelly of his election to the presidency and wish him good luck, as well as to his Government, in the pursuing of the implementation of huge projects under way in Haiti. The Minustah wishes once again to pay tribute to the Haitian people, who, by its courage and patience, throughout this electoral process, gave a lesson of civic maturity to the world.

The day of 14 May 2011 is historic and carries with it all the hopes of change for the people of Haiti: hopes for reconstruction, progress, stability, social peace, rule of law, development and of well-being for all, not only for the years ahead, but also for the future generations of Haitians.

As pointed out the President-elect in his address to the nation, this day, "the union is the force". Also, the Minustah encourages the President, his Government, the entire Haitian politicians, the actors of civil society, and Haitian citizens to make of this historic moment their rallying point to seal a new political pact, economic and social, to rebuild together a new Haiti, a Haiti more beautiful, a Haiti that fully respects democratic values ​​and human rights, who, proud of all its human and cultural richness, can once again shine, on its entire territory and internationally.

The Minustah, and more broadly, the United Nations, whose Haiti is a founding member, will remain united, alongside the Haitian authorities and people, and will support them in their efforts to meet the challenges which are ahead them.

HL/ HaitiLibre